I sincerely doubt that 750 specimens would effect the populations numbers of them. From what I remember hearing of them in Ecuador they are an EXTREMELY abundant frog, at times, considered a weed. In captivity we know of their reproductive potential, so I have doubts of that claim. I do sympathisize with Ecuador though on that. I personally think they should be compensated certainly for the research. However, this does bring up the ownership issue of who's frog it was. Was it the government's, the locals whose land the actual frog came from... Interesting stuff.
However, does anyone have the latest on it in their research? I had heard rumors of it passing trials in Europe, and it going through some in the US, but I haven't verified it lately. Just curious as we were discussing it in herpetology class Tuesday night.
Best,
Justin